Exploring Tokyo, Japan's capital, can be an eye-opening experience, but it can also be expensive. But don't despair! There are many things to see and do in Tokyo that won't cost you a single yen. From gardens and temples to contemporary art, sumo wrestling, and a world-famous fish market, here is a list of Tokyo's best free attractions
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A Walk in the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a beautiful park in Shinjuku, to enjoy a tranquil Tokyo for free. It is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park also has a greenhouse, a cafe, and a restaurant.

The best time to visit the park is during the spring, when the flowers are in bloom. The park is also a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), which takes place in April.

If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing place to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, I recommend visiting Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. You can enjoy the beauty of the gardens, or simply relax on a bench and people-watch.

Lose yourself in the greenery at Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Shrine is Tokyo’s premier Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. The shrine is located in a large, densely wooded park, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Photo @Peter Caringal

The walking path through the park is particularly ethereal on misty and drizzly afternoons. The fog and rain soften the sounds and sights, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. If you’re lucky, you might spot a traditional wedding procession or robe-clad priest.

Sensō-ji Temple, a free must see in Tokyo

Sensō-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. It is located in Asakusa, Tokyo, and is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of mercy.

The temple was founded in 645 AD and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. It is a lively and colorful temple, with a number of shops and stalls selling souvenirs and traditional Japanese goods.

The temple is divided into two parts: the Outer Gate (Kaminarimon) and the Inner Gate (Hozomon). The Outer Gate is known for its large red lantern, which is said to bring good luck. The Inner Gate leads to the temple grounds, which are home to a number of shrines and temples.

One of the most popular attractions at Sensō-ji Temple is the Nakamise-dori shopping street. This street is lined with shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and traditional Japanese goods.

If you’re looking for a unique and authentic free experience in Tokyo, I recommend visiting Sensō-ji Temple. It is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

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Enjoy the Colorfull and Vibrant Harajuku

Harajuku is a neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan, known for its fashion and youth culture. Its main street, Takeshita Street, is awash in a kaleidoscope of bright colors, kawaii (cute) motifs, and the constant chatter of shoppers.

Photo @Elton Sa

Here are some of the things you can do in Harajuku:

  • Shop for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs: Harajuku is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from high-end fashion to unique one-of-a-kind items.
  • People-watch: Harajuku is a great place to people-watch, as you’ll see all sorts of interesting characters, from fashion-forward teens to eccentric cosplayers.
  • Have a meal in a cafe or restaurant: There are many cafes and restaurants in Harajuku, serving everything from Japanese food to international cuisine.
  • Attend a fashion event: Harajuku is a popular destination for fashion events, such as the Harajuku Fashion Walk and the Harajuku Halloween Parade.

Walk across the Shibuya Crossing

This is one of the busiest crosswalks in the world and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

Photo @Jet dela Cruz

Every few minutes, a wave of humanity washes across Shibuya Crossing, thought to be the world’s busiest intersection. You can join the masses and experience the excitement of being swept up in the flow of people, or you can stand back and watch from a safe distance.

An ideal vantage point is Mag’s Park, on the roof of the Shibuya 109-2 department store. From here, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the crossing and see the sheer volume of people that pass through it every day.

A couple of floors down, at the entrance to Mark City, check out the Myth of Tomorrow, a monumental mural by artist Okamoto Tarō. This colorful mural depicts a futuristic vision of the city, and it is a must-see for any visitor to Shibuya.

Enjoy the Tokyo Tower Park

Tokyo Tower is a 333-meter (1,092-foot) tall communications and observation tower in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It is the second-tallest structure in Japan, after the Tokyo Skytree.

Tokyo Tower is modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but it is slightly shorter. The tower is open to the public, and there is an admission charge to the observation decks. However, you can also get a free view of the tower from the base.

The base of the tower is a large park, which is a popular spot for people-watching and picnicking. There is also a museum about the history of the tower.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Tokyo for free, I recommend taking a stroll around the base of Tokyo Tower. You can get a real sense of its imposing stature, and you can also enjoy the views of the city.

Sumo wrestling

This traditional Japanese sport is a popular spectator sport. There are matches held every day at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena.

Photo @Bob Fisher

If you can’t make it to a sumo tournament, you can still see sumo wrestlers in action by visiting a sumo stable. At a sumo stable, you can watch the wrestlers go through their morning practice session (asa-keiko) through windows on the street.

Arashio Stable is a popular choice for visitors. Practice typically takes place between 7:30 AM and 10 AM on weekday mornings, except for March, July, November, and the week following a major tournament.

To confirm if training is on, you can call the stable between 4 PM and 8 PM the day before. The stable’s website has a basic sample script for speaking with phone operators in Japanese.

See the tuna auction at Toyosu Market

To witness Tokyo’s famous tuna auction at Toyosu Market, you need to set your alarm early because it starts around 5:30 AM and lasts for approximately one hour. A limited number of visitors who apply in advance can watch from a viewing platform near the market floor. You can check the market’s website for more information and to apply for tickets.

These are just a few of the many free things to do in Tokyo. With a little planning, you can have a great time in the city without spending a fortune.

While Toyosu Market may lack the rustic charm of its predecessor in Tsukiji, visitors are still free to wander the sprawling complex. Infographics and exhibition spaces detail the storied history of the world’s greatest fish market. You can also scan the clearly marked QR codes for multilingual interactive tours.

Take in the panoramic views of Tokyo from the Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers stunning 360-degree views of the city from its two observation decks, located 202 meters (663 feet) above ground. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Fuji.

Photo @farhul azmi

The East Deck is open from 9:30 AM to 11 PM, and the West Deck is open from 9 AM to 10 PM. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable free experience in Tokyo, I recommend visiting the Metropolitan Government Building at dusk. The sunsets over Tokyo are spectacular, and the city lights up like a beacon in the darkness.

Climb Mount Takao

Located in the west Tokyo suburbs, Mount Takao is a 599-meter (1,965-foot) peak that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area. The mountain is topped by an observation area, a beer garden, and a Buddhist temple.

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Mt. Takao View – Photo @Sebastian Hermann

There are several walking trails to the top of Mount Takao, all of which are manageable with a moderate level of fitness. The easiest trail is the Cable Car Trail, which takes you to the top in just a few minutes. The most scenic trail is the Ishizaka Trail, which winds its way through a forest of cedar trees.

The best time to climb Mount Takao is during the koyo (autumn leaves) season, when the trees turn a brilliant red and orange. However, the mountain can get crowded during this time, so it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Don’t miss this free experience to live in Tokyo

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Daniele

As a lifelong lover of Japan, its rich culture, and captivating beauty, I organize tours in Japan and help others craft unforgettable journeys to this extraordinary land.

Through my personalized travel planning services, I'll guide you in creating an itinerary that aligns with your interests, ensuring an authentic and immersive Japanese experience. Reach me out now and ask for help!

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